This is another totally amazing book by the author of The First Fifteen Lives of Harry August. It's highly original and engaging and is one of those books you just can't put down and, before you know it, a morning has passed and you're halfway through! It's a very cleverly-written and well thought out plot. It reads like a cross between an action thriller and science fiction novel, neither which are usually my 'thing' but the author's skilfully chosen words make you believe in the characters and their stories. Fans of David Mitchell should definitely add this one to their bookshelf!

I kept stopping as it was making me anxious, to then crave to know what happened next. It twisted around, with such a style, and panache, that it was like watching a film, with great music and cinematic style. Claire North/Catherine Webb clearly has done alot of research in bringing all the different cities to life, not just the cliched versions, but the depth and grit and joy of each place that Kepler visited. And don't even get me started on the characters and storyline. Just wow! I normally finish a book, have a breath and then launch straight into the next one, after this, I just can't. It would feel like a betrayal or cheating on Touch. I need to give it time. A day or so. Cannot wait for birthdays, so I can force, I mean buy it for everyone. Work. Friends. The bus. Everyone!!

With thanks to Sara Talbot and Little, Brown Book Group for the proof copy. These days it’s tough to come by a novel that’s as close to original as we’re going to get. Andrew Davidson’s The Gargoyle is one. Touch is another. As such I don’t want to say too much for fear of ruining it, for a novel this good, this original, should probably be read with as little prior knowledge of it as possible in order to truly appreciate it. What I can say is that it’s a remarkable read in every respect. North’s writing is a joy to behold and you’ll find yourself reading more than you set out to, putting off going to bed to finish the next chapter, and then just one more. Her descriptions of locations are especially vivid and each new place almost becomes a character itself, complementing the main cast. While some of the characters are perhaps underdeveloped the lead is hugely compelling and unlike any other I remember seeing or hearing about before, and it’s fascinating to see the world through their eyes. The plot, too, while sprawling numerous destinations and containing no small number of key players, is both well-paced and neat. The occasional dropped hint and flashback works to good effect and the ending is nothing short of magnificent, tying everything and everyone together naturally, amazingly avoiding feeling too contrived and unbelievable. It deals with a fair few moral and ethical issues, too, and North’s handling of these is solid, weaving them into the story without detracting from the thriller aspect. This is a truly remarkable novel, clever and warm and, indeed, touching. An accomplished work that you should read at once.

So I finally got around to writing my review for this book and there is not much to say that hasn't already been said by other reviewers. This is another totally amazing book by the author of The First Fifteen Lives of Harry August. It's highly original and engaging and is one of those books you just can't put down and, before you know it, a morning has passed and you're halfway through! It's a very cleverly-written and well thought out plot. It reads like a cross between an action thriller and science fiction novel, neither which are usually my 'thing' but the author's skilfully chosen words make you believe in the characters and their stories. Fans of David Mitchell should definitely add this one to their bookshelf!

Touch is an amazing book. So much better than her first novel (which was also excellent in my view). It's spooky and gives you the need to keep looking over your shoulder but incredibly well written. I enjoyed every single page. I also received a paper copy of the proof which I have given to my staff to read. I'm recommending it to everyone who comes in.